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Free-Daily.com's purpose is to report on the emerging free daily newspaper industry. While many experts have written off print media, free dailies are a promising concept that works on a number of levels. Tabloid-size free dailies are more widely read by young readers, giving them the news they need to lead their lives. Reaching this demographic is essential to advertisers. Free dailies are also an outlet for quality journalism.

While Free-Daily.com wants to see this industry developed, this site isn't about cheerleading. We report the bad news as well as the good, and we publish editorials highlighting problems and solutions.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Metro International's three U.S. dailies — in New York, Boston and Philadelphia — jumped 32% in the third quarter from $5.8 million to $7.7 million. The jump was fueled mostly by the launch of its New York City edition in May 2004. However, sales in Philly were up by 10% from last year.

Still, the three papers lost $2.6 million for a margin of minus 25%. "Metro New York halved its operating loss year-on-year in the third quarter," it said.

Metro said its Boston paper, which is now 49% owned by The New York Times Co., "is strengthening after a disappointing start to the year." In September, the paper reported record monthly sales and operating profits, it said.

Metro New York recorded sales records in May, June, and September, the company said, with third-quarter revenues up by more than 50% from the first quarter.

Metro said its three U.S. editions have an average daily circulation of almost 700,000, "making Metro the fifth largest general interest newspaper on the Eastern Seaboard and the sixth largest nationally."

This week, Metro launched its 59th daily, a national paper circulating in eight additional cities in Spain.

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Two weeks ago I suffered a stroke that has affected my ability to speak. It is funny that God would decide to shut off my mouth considering that I made a living in the 1960s and 70s as a newscaster, and as a salesman in the 80s and 90s. I'm also having trouble with my balance. My doctor says I need a wheelchair, but I am not about to go there. I have begun sessions of physiotherapy and speech therapy. I will continue to engage in the hobbies I love — painting, walking, reading and writing this blog. This experience has been terrifying and shocking at the same time. But I am determined not to let this stroke ruin my life. Still, I probably won't be calling you anytime soon. Feel free to e-mail me at free-daily@hotmail.com.